Chuck Bloom is a former publisher-owner-editor of several Texas community newspapers for more than 25 years before retiring, winning dozens of journalism awards and serving as former president of two regional press groups.

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Tweaking the Tigers for 2013 pennant run

True Detroit Tiger fans cannot cry in their beers after
getting swept in the World Series by a team (San Francisco) that simply pitched
better, defended better and hit when required to produce. Getting to the World
Series is the first step in what should be a successful run of pennants for
Detroit, with the core of the team under 30 years of age, and at the peak of
their career.

So this off-season should be a matter of finding
selected pieces to complete the puzzle.

So let’s remove those positions from the free agent
list for the Tigers. What is left are those spots on the roster to strengthen.

First, outfielder-DH Delmon Young will be allowed to
walk away from Comerica Park for the greener pastures of another American
League team. He simply cannot play the outfielder skillfully enough to be a
regular lineup presence.

With the return of Victor Martinez, the DH slot is
filled for all 162 games. In a pinch, Martinez can also play first base and
catch, and his 100 rbi bat will make the lineup even harder for opposing
pitchers to handle.

The trade in late July that brought Infante back to
the Tiger organization solidified the most glaring weakness at second base but
the defense still needs a shortstop with more range, quickness and steadier
bat.

Jhonny
Peralta, who played decently in the playoffs, is a restricted free agent, but has
limited defensive assets, and he only hit .239 this past season. However,
compared to the others on the open market (other than Marco Scutaro of the
Giants, whose value skyrocketed in the post-season), no one is Peralta’s equal.

Detroit
might be wise to package a deal (offering Brennan Boesch, whose time in Detroit
seems to be over) with Houston for the Astros’ shortstop Jed Lowrie (younger,
better range, same power numbers) and a reliever like Wilton Lopez to bolster
the bullpen. Houston is a team desperate to trade away salary to get more warm
bodies.

For catcher, Detroit needs a backup to Avila and
Gerald Laird did a good job for the price he was paid. Compared to the other
names of the FA list, resigning Laird would be a wise move. Otherwise, you’re
looking at the likes of Kelly Shoppach or David Ross – neither supply the
knowledge and defensive ability as does Laird.

The
Tigers have a surplus of quality outfielders on the 40-man roster and in the
minor leagues. Garcia is the starting right-fielder of the future and should be
a permanent fixture before the end of June, 2013.

But
Detroit needs a right-handed hitting outfielder (for left field) with some
power, some speed and good defensive skills.

The
Tigers have said publicly that signing free agent Anibel Sanchez is a priority,
given his final month and post-season results. If Detroit looks, instead, for
another left-handed starter, the field is tissue-paper thin (Erik Bedard, Jeff
Francis, Francisco Liriano, Joe Saunders, Jonathan Sanchez, Randy Wolf). Frankly,
I’d rather keep Anibel Sanchez and go with Smyly, who had a promising rookie
season.

The
bullpen needs almost complete reconstruction – from front to back. Jose
Valverde can no longer be trusted to close games and won’t return. Joaquin
Benoit looked very tired in the final month and was prone to giving up big hits
at the wrong time. Phil Coke is best in matchup situations or as a bridge to
the closer, but NOT as the closer himself.

So
among free agent closers, Detroit can choose from the following: Jonathan
Broxton of Cincinnati, former Tiger Fernando Rodney now with Tampa Bay, Ryan
Madson of the Reds (who sat out all last season due to injury but was inked to
BE the Reds’ closer), or restricted free agent Joakim Soria of Kansas City, who
was also sidelined for the 2012 season.

If
Detroit wishes to resign Octavio Dotel to a one-year contract, it would be
acceptable as well.

The Tigers are just an adjustment or two away from
repeating as American League champions and possible 2013 World Series victors.
This is not an off-season of panic, as it will be for some clubs (can you say
Boston, Texas, Angels?).

It will be a time to clean the gun barrel and
sharpen the attack. In 2013, it will be serious and business should be picking
up.